Who makes up these names? Gobbler’s Knob? Good grief. Well despite the name, this hike is a good one and should be on your list of to-do’s at Mt. Rainier National Park.
Some friends of ours wanted to fit in a late season one-nighter, and I was itching to get back to Rainier after our incredible Wonderland Trail experience.
I scoured the map, trying to find an overnight trip that was A. not too long, B. not super far away, and C. moderate in elevation-gain but with great views. Easy, right?
After going ’round and ’round, I kept coming back to Lake George. It seemed to fit the bill.
- Two hours drive from Seattle
- Less than a 5-mile hike to camp
- Moderate elevation gain
- Bonus of add-on hike options
- There were permits available!
Thankfully trip reports and Google images allayed my fears. This would be the perfect hike for our group.
HIKE DETAILS: LAKE GEORGE AND GOBBLER’S KNOB
Distance: 4.6 miles to Lake George (3.8 of that is on Westside road), ~5.5 all the way to Gobbler’s Knob
Elevation: 980ft to the lake, 2565 up to the Knob (highest point is 5485ft)
Best time to go: Usually mid to late July until late Sept or October, depending on snow. (our trip was Sept. 10-11)
Park Fees: Entry for vehicle and passengers is $30. Or present a Mt. Rainier Annual pass ($55) or an American the Beautiful Pass.
Permits: Required for overnight camping. Book online at recreation.gov and pick up physical permit at a Wilderness Info Center (WIC). The closest to this trailhead is Longmire. You can also inquire about walk-up permit availability at a WIC.
Getting there: Head towards the entrance to Longmire. A little less than a mile past the Longmire entrance, take a left onto Westside road (gravel road but fairly well maintained). In about 3.2 miles come to a gate and park.
Hiking Notes: No dogs allowed in the park. There are lots of trails in the area, so do bring a map. No privy at the trailhead but privy available at Lake George. For day-hiking, consider biking Westside road to the trailhead. There is a bike rack located at the turnoff for Lake George trail.
Our Hike Details
One of my main concerns, however, was the impending smoke. It again had been one of those years. While Seattle seemed to keep the smoke at bay most of the season, it finally wafted in with full force mid September. As we drove in we could see the smoke attempting to insert itself through the trees and around the mountain, but it kept itself restrained. The air was still mostly clear and we crossed our fingers.
So far so good to start. But mighty Rainier could only hold the smoke back for so long. While the day started out light and clear, by late afternoon pale, ashen colors overtook the landscape.
Knowing the heavy, gray blanket would soon be upon us, we set up camp quickly so as to enjoy the lake and see who might be interested in a jaunt up to the Knob.
So the campsites .. they are mostly arranged up the hill from the trail as you enter the lake. The group site is easy to spot as you enter, but carry on up from the lake, past the patrol cabin and the privy, to a number of sites in relative proximity to one other. While you will see a site right below the privy, carry on further for the better ones.
The Lake George Patrol cabin is close by and there’s a cozy covered shelter just down the hill from camp, closer to the lake, that I assume might be shared in event of inclement weather. Theron and I found it a lovely spot to make an evening hot chocolate.
So about the jaunt up to the knob … I had no takers. 🙁
But one of the reasons this hike to Lake George is so great: Half your group can stay at camp if they wish and the rest can venture out for more exploring. Besides Gobbler’s Knob, one could hike further in to visit more lakes or even backtrack back out to Westside, cross the road, and take a trail over to South Puyallup River camp to see those lava columns I mentioned in my Wonderland blog. The possibilities are endless.
I left the group behind and did the quick run up myself, determined to make the most of this day. The hike doesn’t start out steep, but before long you start to feel the incline. Be sure to stay on the trail as a few of the drop offs close to the summit are quite treacherous. Once you ascend the last rock bit, behold the vista! It feels like you could reach out and touch Mt. Rainier. Many describe this viewpoint as one of the best in the park. (see smoky image above)
Make sure to take the stairs up to the fire lookout and have a stroll around. You might even want to stay for a bit and take in the view. Or have a nap, like the fellow I encountered on the far side of the lookout. I mean, why not?
While the views are incredible and endless, looking out towards Goat Rocks, Mt. Wow, Pyramid Peak, and even Mt. St. Helens, I unfortunately lost the war with the smoke and was unable to behold this panoramic wonder. I will have to return next year to see this vista in its fully glory.
By evening the smoke came in with even more force, but not enough to keep Theron and myself from following the trail around the lake to see how far it could take us. I reckon it snakes all the way around the lake, but as for us, the darkness crept in and we sensed it was time to get back to camp.
The rest of our group was already asleep, so after our hot chocolates we snuggled up in our tent and felt fortunate for our little shelter shielding us away from the heavy air.
The next morning the smoke still lingered. We enjoyed a peaceful moment at the lake before packing up and hitting the trail.
As we arrived once again at Westside road, I longingly eyed the trail veering out towards South Puyallup River camp, conjuring up memories of our Wonderland experience and those incredible lava columns. But alas, once again, no takers. Where’s the adventure, friends? Oh well, for next time.
And that name, Gobbler’s Knob? Well I had to look it up. Was it someone’s name? A crude joke? An obscure reference?
Per VisitRainier.com, the name actually came from one of the original crew members building the lookout. Coming from Tennessee, a state known for turkey hunting, the rocky outcropping reminded the young crewman of his turkey chasing days in the Smoky Mountains.
How that name stuck, one can only guess, but Gobbler’s Knob it is.
